5/25 Pitchers vs Hitters Matchups – Game One vs 1st Place Braves

After a loss where the pitching/offense/defense let them down, the Sox return to Fenway to face off against the surprise 1st place Atlanta Braves. The Yankees didn’t play yesterday, so the lead in 1st place was trimmed to 1 game. Today is the return of the Laser Show Dustin Pedroia. Eduardo Nunez just hasn’t had the same impact on the team offensively, that he did in last 2 months of 2017. Nunez is batting just .230, and his defense…. Per ESPN, he is ranked 21st in baseball, for 2nd baseman’s range factor of 3.19!! His defensive WAR is also an eye sore at -0.6.

Eduardo Rodriguez is on the mound for the Sox, and is coming off of his 4th win of the season. The most wins he has had in a season, was his rookie campaign in 2015 winning 10 games. So as long as his knees don’t give him trouble, should be no problem of eclipsing that mark. Him & his fellow pitchers pulled a Houdini act as they combined to give up 13 Hits to the hapless Orioles, who became the first team in years to be shutout while collecting at least 13 Hits.

Julio Teheran takes the ball for the Atlanta Braves. The team that was supposed to be up & coming is here, and young 2nd baseman Ozzie Albies is one of the reasons why. These pesky Braves have the 3rd best offense in baseball, right behind NY & Boston. Teheran’s season has thus far been a mixed bag. Five of his 10 starts, he has given up 2 ER or less. One start was a shortened 3 inning 3 Run outing. And four starts has been dreary, giving up 4 – 6ER. Making him work is key because he has high tendency to walk batters. Since 2015, two times has he walked at least 72 batters in a season.

Eduardo Rodriguez — First career start vs the Atlanta Braves. Career at Fenway Park in 37 starts, 10-9 with a 4.64 ERA.

Atlanta Braves:

Ronald Acuna Jr. —–

Ozzie Albies —–

Johan Camargo —–

Charlie Culberson —–

Ryan Flaherty – 0 for 2, RBI, K

Tyler Flowers —–

Freddie Freeman —–

Ender Inciarte —–

Nick Markaki

Kurt Suzuki – 1 for 5 (.200 avg) HR, 3 RBIs

Dansby Swanson —–

Preston Tucker – 0 for 3, 2 Ks

Julio Teheran — Career vs Boston Red Sox in 2 starts, 0-2 with a 4.73 ERA. In those 2 starts, giving up 7 ER in 13.1 innings. Career at Fenway Park in 1 start, 0-1 with an 8.53 ERA. That start saw him give up 6 ER in 6.1 innings.